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10 Questions with ... Ebony Williams
April 26, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
SOCIAL: Twitter & Instagram: @ebonyonair
Facebook: @onairebonywilliams
Soundcloud: @ebonyonairI started off in television as a weather forecaster for Fox News KTBY-TV in Anchorage, AK. After three years of television in the prime time nightly news spot, I found myself helping an upcoming station, Movin 104.9, with a nightly show, "Ebony at Night." After a year there, I took the same show to Alaska's #1 hit station 92.9 KFAT, and then shortly after became the midday diva for three years. Now I reside in College Station, TX as the MD/midday personality for Candy 95.1 KNDE, where the community has nicknamed me the "Midday Sweetness."
1) What is your favorite part of the job?
I absolutely love meeting and doing interviews! I have been blessed to interview Kevin Hart and Garret Waring. Those two have to be my favorite people so far.
2) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?
When I was back in Alaska working with 92.9 KFA with Ohana Media Group; we did this thing called the Bed Races! Where, well, we took beds to the top of the hill and raced them down. People got dressed up, the music was amazing and everything else was great! Despite my previous test run where I went over the barrier ... other than that, it was fun!
3) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?
I am ... a Belieber! I love Justin Bieber! And I live for the possibility of him and Selena getting back together.
4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
At 18 I started off as a weather girl for Fox News KTBY-TV in Anchorage, AK and that I've been a broadcasting talent for almost 10 years. I just finished my degree in Journalism & Mass Communications last month.
5) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I'm not sure if a few people on this list know it, but in order, my mentors and biggest influences are: Brad Erickson and Don Megga with Ohana Media Group in Anchorage, AK; Kwame Dankwa, Power 93.3 in Seattle; Myron Fears with KPRS in Kansas City and Sam Weaver at All Access. All of these men have influenced me in many ways! Brad gave me a shot and pulled me in for an interview at KFAT which changed my life. Don Megga is such a great friend. He calls me out on my crap and keeps me in check when need be. Kwame is fantastic. His tools and teachings helped shape me and helped me figure out who I was as a growing talent. Myron is a never ending pit of knowledge when it comes to this industry and life. Sam, well, he is not one to be shy about how he feels and never hesitates to also keep me in line ... lots of tough love from this guy.
6) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Writing! I love writing; it's a passion and a release of mine. I've self-published two novels, working on turning my third into a TV pilot and I just started my fourth.
7) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
I listen to a lot of Gospel, Jazz, Hip-Hop, '90s Pop and and Country.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
One day, a listener had a request for her mother who had passed away. I played it, and an hour later she came into the station with a flower and wrote me a message on how I lifted her spirit and made this day a little more manageable, and she said thank you. It was then that I realized the power that we have on the airwaves and for me; I have that power plus my website. I love the messages of encouragement and motivation that I've given to other people. It truly makes me happy.
9) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Don't be upset or ashamed if you get fired from radio or apply for a job and hear nothing back. Don't get discouraged ... instead use it as motivation for your next move.
10) What is the current state of the radio talent pool?
The radio talent pool is massive! Us little guys just need a chance to prove that we can hang with the big dogs. I've heard countless airchecks from talents who are amazing, but they just can't get someone to open the door.
Bonus Questions
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was six, I saw this beautiful woman hosting a red carpet, and I told my sister that I will do that one day. I will be on TV and radio looking great but making a difference.
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